Game of Thrones season seven: What we learn from the new trailer

Game of Thrones season seven doesn't return for another few weeks, but an action-packed new trailer is keeping fans on the edge of their seats.

#Winterishere, which has been viewed more than seven million times, features key characters preparing for the great war ahead, complete with rousing battle scenes, sword fights, White Walkers and dragons.

The two minutes of footage are packed with clues that will fuel rumors about what to expect and which secrets will be revealed.

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Here are seven things we've learned from the new trailer:

Sansa plays a key role

Last season saw Sansa Stark (Sophie Turner) showing she had what it takes to make bold decisions by feeding her evil husband to his own hounds. The trailer puts the spotlight firmly on Ned Stark's elder daughter, suggesting she will have a key role in the battle for the Seven Kingdoms. It also shows Sansa reciting: "When the snows fall and the white winds blow, the lone wolf dies - but the pack survives." Who the lone wolf is is anyone's guess.

Littlefinger is Sansa's adviser

Sansa is seen taking a walk through the snows of Winterfell, with a voiceover from Littlefinger seemingly advising her on strategy. He offers a warning to be ready for war wherever it erupts - even "in your mind". Is he still angling for more power, or does he have Sansa's wellbeing at heart? As always, it's hard to tell with Littlefinger.

The Gate is Open

A scene shows the gate to Castle Black rising, allowing Bran (Isaac Hempstead Wright) and Meera (Ellie Kendrick) to pass. The clip is cut in a way that suggests Jon Snow (Kit Harrington) sees them, but this may be an editing trick. Jon is shown wearing Wildling clothing, which suggests he is actually returning from his trip beyond the wall to forge alliances with the Wildlings.

Daenerys is at Dragonstone

Dragons are seen flying into Dragonstone, the old base for the ill-fated Baratheon army which, it seems, Daenerys Targaryen (Emilia Clarke) might be taking for herself. The isolated location would make it as ideal a stronghold for her as it once was for Stannis Baratheon. We also see Dany tear down the Baratheon banners, while Jon Snow says: "For centuries our families fought together, against their common enemy. Despite their differences, together. We need to do the same if we're gonna survive." He may be trying to convince Daenerys they must form an alliance, although as we don't actually see them speaking, he could also be discussing alliances with the houses of the North, or even the Wildlings.

The Night King is on the march

The Chief White Walker, the Night King, appears in a snow-filled scene, suggesting he hasn't moved far past the wall. A flock of ravens fly over a group of Wildlings as he glances upwards, interspersed with a scene of Bran sitting in a wheelchair-type device beside a weirwood tree similar to the one where the Night's Watch took their pledges. Is he at Castle Black? Is the Night King looking for Bran in particular? Perhaps the boy's visions will play a special role in the looming war.

Beric is Back

In a blink-and-you'll-miss-it moment, we see Beric Dondarrion (Richard Dormer) with his fiery sword. Attentive fans will remember Beric was the leader of the Brotherhood Without Banners, a band of mercenaries who followed the Lord of Light after being resurrected by Thoros of Myr. He appears to be wearing thick furs, which may suggest he's been enlisted by Jon in the battle to hold back the White Walkers - who better to fight them than a man who has also died? A later scene showing Jon surrounded by a horde of Wildlings and a man wielding a flaming sword seems to confirm this.

The Greyjoys are Heading for King's Landing

But which ones? The trailer shows black ships with sails from House Greyjoy heading toward King’s Landing. Odds are these are not the ships of Yara (Gemma Whelan) and Theon's (Alfie Allen), but rather belong to Euron (Pilou Asbaek), who is planning to ally himself with Cersei (Lena Headey). Another scene of cheering crowds in King's Landing may show the people celebrating this unholy alliance.

Game of Thrones returns 16 July.